We’ve reached the mid point of season one of Gotham and I think it has only gotten better with each episode. The question whether or not a series based on Batman’s home turf without the Dark Knight himself could hold interest has been answered as far as I am concerned. That answer, is a yes. The reason why it works is the development of all the supporting characters that will shape young Bruce Wayne into the hero he would become later in life. Leading the way is the obvious characters of Jim Gordon and Alfred Pennyworth. But while one shapes his detective mind and the other will serve as his moral compass, there is one other character of equal importance that will give him the street sense needed to survive and that’s Selina Kyle.
This latest episode titled Lovecraft starts that journey for young Bruce when a woman comes to Wayne Manor with a contract to kill Selina because she witnessed the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne. This is where we see a badass Alfred take no prisoners. He is quickly becoming one of my favorites. As Alfred takes care of the intruders, Bruce and Selina flee towards the city.
It’s here where the relationship between Bruce and Selina really start to take shape. We all know from the comics that Batman and Catwoman have a unique and complicated relationship. Showing them in their pre-teen years only adds to that uniqueness. She wants him to move on from his obsession with his murdered parents and wants to go her own way. He on the other hand, wants her to stay in his life even though he won’t give up on his obsession. The truth is, they need each other. They balance one another.
As the kids go into hiding, Gordon confronts Harvey Dent about what happened at the Mansion and Alfred teams up with Bullock to find the kids. Their investigation leads them to Fish Mooney. Fish seems taken in by Alfred and his plea for help. Fish offers up some information about a man name Clyde but warns them that they owe her. I don’t think we’ve seen the last of Alfred-Fish one on ones.
Selina and Bruce meet up with Ivy; the future Poison Ivy that is who also directs them to Clyde so they can fence some items. Ivy and Bruce get into a little spat with each one blaming the other for their parents demise. Selina warns Bruce that Ivy is a bit on the scary side. They eventually find Clyde who lowballs Selina for the stolen items she’s trying to get rid of. Little did they know that Clyde was keeping them occupied till the assassins arrive.
On a tip from Dent, Jim goes to find Lovecraft who is hiding out at a condo. Jim confronts him at gunpoint and Lovecraft swears that he did not put out a hit on Selina. He talks about how there was a run on Wayne company stock prior to their murder. But before he could finish, that same female assassin arrives. She and Jim have a nice hand-to-hand battle with her coming out on top with a sleeper hold. When Jim awakens, he finds Lovecraft dead and his own gun as the murder weapon.
As we enter the final act of the episode, everyone arrives at Clyde’s. The assassins have already arrived while Jim, Bullock and Alfred shortly behind. An old fashioned shootout ensues. The lady assassin finds and pins down Bruce and wants him to give up his “girlfriend”. She assures him that she won’t hurt him because there is no contract on his life. Bruce insists that he doesn’t know where Selina is. She lets him go. Alfred arrives and he and Bruce are reunited. Without much being said, their embrace cements their relationship forever. It was a touching moment.
Later that night at the Wayne mansion, Selina “breaks” in to return what she had stolen from Bruce. When she hears Alfred approaching she fleas but not before stealing a kiss from Bruce. Alfred tells Bruce how quiet the house is now without Selina.
With everyone seemingly safe for the time being, the Mayor turns his attention at Jim and Harvey over the death of Lovecraft. His main focus is on Jim for his past accusations. He offers him a deal of sorts. At a press conference, the Mayor tells everyone that after a struggle with an officer, Lovecraft shot and killed himself. He furthers this story by stating that the officer in question will be dealt with. The final scenes show Jim being reassigned as a security guard at Arkham Asylum.
As far as fall finales go, nothing out of the ordinary occurred which could be somewhat disappointing. However, seeing how all the pieces are coming to together makes me look forward to its return in January.
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
